the employer will seek to establish criteria for selection which so far as possible do not depend solely upon the opinion of the person making the selection but can be objectively checked against such things as attendance record, efficiency at the job, experience, or length of service.

Objective of redundancy selection should be clear

The selection of employees for redundancy must be based on criteria which are capable, as far as possible, of being objectively applied and verified. Ideally the criteria should be measurable and avoid the necessity for personal opinion.

Many companies will use personnel records as basis for their selection and select criteria such as time-keeping, attendance and disciplinary records. Employers may also choose to attach weightings to the criteria if they believe that certain skills or qualities are more valuable to them as a business.

Unfair Redundancy Selection Criteria

A good example of a potentially unfair criterion which is commonly used by employers is attitude. It is difficult to imagine how such a criterion could not be based on the personal judgement of management. It was described in Graham v ABF Ltd [1986] IRLR 90 as being “dangerously ambiguous and vague”.

Potentially subjective criteria might be acceptable provided that they are applied in an objective manner or as it was stated in Mitchells of Lancaster (Brewers) Ltd v Tattersall “capable of being scored or assessed or moderated in an objective and dispassionate way”.

Disability and Selection Criteria

Where employers are aware of employees with disabilities, they may need to slightly alter selection criteria as reasonable adjustments. For example, an employee who has had disability related sickness absence may need to have that absence disregarded when being measured against any sort of attendance criteria.

Making Criteria and Scoring Available to Employees

Employers should, as far as possible, ensure that there is transparency of method and application during the redundancy process. Where employers withhold scores from employees they leave themselves open to allegations that the selection of candidates is bogus or artificial.

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Tom is a solicitor with 13 years qualification, specialising in employment and dispute resolution. Having trained in Chancery Lane, London, Tom developed a keen interest in contentious law representing many clients in the Royal Courts of Justice and at Employment Tribunals throughout the South East. After spending 3 years working for a niche commercial litigation and insolvency firm in the city, Tom moved to the South West and set up his own firm in 2010. Tom’s refreshingly straightforward approach to contentious employment and dispute resolution sets him apart from the field. Tom passionately champions access to justice for individuals and businesses who may not otherwise have the resources to access the courts and tribunals system.

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Tom Street studied law at the University of Manchester. He undertook his legal practice course at the College of Law in Guildford. He then, subsequently underwent his legal training specialising in employment law and litigation, at a firm in Chancery Lane, London.

Fully qualified, he moved to a niche litigation practice in the City of London.

In 2005, Tom set up his own legal practice, Tom Street & Co Solicitors and as part of this, in accordance with his strongly held objective to provide everyone with an easy pathway and readily available access to justice he established the online portals Do I Have A Case? and Tribunal Claim. These websites are trading names of Tom Street & Co Solicitors.